Man United’s transfer negotiations appear to be going far better than they did last year. The club is nearing the end of a successful bout of negotiations with Athletic Bilbao, which are expected to result in the signing of Ander Herrera. Herrera is a midfielder whose services United have been attempting to secure since 2013. David Moyes’ came close to signing him last year, but failed after a paperwork mix-up on the transfer deadline day.

Meanwhile, United supporters such as Tunde Folawiyo have bid farewell to left back Alexander Buttner. The 25 year old has joined Dynamo Moscow, and is currently training with them at their camp in Austria. Speaking to the press about the transfer, Buttner explained that he was happy to leave the Red Devils, as he was eager to participate in the Champion’s League.

He noted that Dynamo Moscow had a strong team who would be capable of winning the title during the coming season. Buttner also criticised Van Gaal, arguing that, despite him being named as Man of the Match on 14 occasions during his time with United, the Dutch manager never gave him a regular spot on the first team for Holland.

The club have made Southampton a second, higher offer of £34 million, in a bid to obtain Luke Shaw, a left back who would serve as a replacement for Buttner. If the transfer goes ahead, it would be the most expensive signing of a teenage player since Wayne Rooney joined United. Southampton are clearly aware of how valuable Shaw is, and are reluctant to let him go; they refused United’s offer of £27 million in May of this year, and have said that they will not allow this player unless a high enough bid is made.

United have also experienced a setback in their attempt to sign Joao Miranda, as their bid of £25 million has been rejected by Atletico Madrid. Football fans like Tunde Folawiyo are no doubt aware that Miranda would make an excellent addition to the team, but it looks like Van Gaal will have to make a better offer if he wants to sign this particular player. Van Gaal is also said to be interested in getting Edinson Cavani on board. The striker, who currently plays for Paris Saint Germain, has said that he would be willing to consider a move to United, although there has been no talk of a signing, as of yet.